By Joe Johnson
The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department announced on Thursday that Trail Creek Park will now be known as Virginia Callaway-Cofer Walker Park.
The park was renamed in honor of Walker as a community leader in service to Athens-Clarke County and her extensive involvement in civic organizations.
The park name change was approved by the Athens-Clarke County mayor and commission. A plaque unveiling ceremony will be held later this year.
Walker, who died in 2018 at age 72, is considered to be one of Athens' most respected civil rights leaders.
Her involvement in civic affairs was sometimes in formal roles, such as the years she spent as Athens Family Connection's empowerment project director and diversity coordinator. But Walker is also remembered as a good neighbor helping people with their income tax returns.
“She didn't have much formal education, but she was one of the smartest people I've ever known," Executive Director of Family Connection-Communities in Schools of Athens Tim Johnson told a local newspaper in the wake of Walker’s passing two years ago.
The SPLOST-funded park, located at 200 Trail Creek Street, is accessible from Peter and Trail Creek streets. The park features athletic fields, covered pavilions, mountain bike trails, outdoor fitness zone, playground, and splash pad. At this time, the park is closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions. For more information, visit www.accgov.com/walkerpark or call 706-613-3800.